Xynfo.com - HVAC Questions
Common Questions About Heating, Ventilation and Cooling
What is a UV furnace filter?
With growing number air-borne diseases among children who spend most of their time inside, much attention is being given to quality of indoor air. There are a number of factors that degrade the indoor air quality and efficient air filters have proved to be the primary defense against poor indoor air quality.
|
|
Most air filters work by drawing air from the room, clean the air, and send it back into the room. There are basically five types of air filters: mechanical filters, electronic filters, hybrid filters, gas phase filters, and ozone generators. Mechanical filters purify the air by forcing air through a special mesh that traps particles including allergens like pollen and dust mites. Electronic filters use electrical charges to attract and deposit allergens and irritants. Hybrid filters are made from the elements of both mechanical and electrostatic filters. Gas phase filters are used to eliminate odors and non-particulate matter like gases. Ozone generators also clean air; however, they are harmful to lungs.
Furnace filters are another type of filters which are effective for pollen or hayfever control. They are permanent and washable filters that can effectively clean the air of entire house. People worried primarily about germs usually consider an ultraviolet (UV) furnace filter. These filters use ultraviolet light to kill germs. These filters zap mold spores and certain live, airborne bacteria which passes through the ultraviolet light emitted from these units and prevent them from being re-circulated into the home’s air. These filters can kill up to 90% of the airborne bacteria in the air passing through the system, reducing the presence of these harmful agents in the air. This is the reason why most of the hospitals use UV furnace filters in tuberculosis wards. Typically, ultraviolet furnace filters are built-in components and sold as add-ons to a whole-house electronic precipitator. The lamps used in the units have long life and can be easily replaced when needed. These units are easy to add to the existing heating and cooling system. However, the unit must be installed correctly to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.